Predict if benzoic acid will be more soluble in water or dichloromethane. Explain your predictions. I 2. What data do you have on benzoic acid from previous experiments that would support your prediction for Q1? 3. Based on your prediction above, predict the distribution coefficient for benzoic acid in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1 or less than 1) Explain your prediction. 4. Predict if succinic acid will be more soluble in water or dichloromethane. Explain your predictions. 5. What compound have you worked with before that is very similar to succinic acid? Explain why you chose the molecule you did. 6. Based on your predictions above, predict the distribution coefficient for succinic acid in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1 or less than 1). Explain your prediction. 7. Predict the distribution coefficient for sodium benzoate in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1 or less than 1). Explain your prediction. State th
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
1. Predict if benzoic acid will be more soluble in water or dichloromethane. Explain your prediction.
Benzoic acid will be more soluble in dichloromethane than in water. This is because benzoic acid is largely nonpolar due to its benzene ring, making it more compatible with nonpolar or slightly polar organic solvents like dichloromethane. Although benzoic acid contains a carboxylic acid group capable of hydrogen bonding with water, its large hydrophobic benzene ring reduces its overall water solubility.
2. What data do you have on benzoic acid from previous experiments that would support your prediction for Q1?
From previous experiments, it was observed that benzoic acid tends to form a separate organic layer with solvents like dichloromethane, indicating better solubility there. Also, its limited solubility in water was demonstrated when only small amounts dissolved, especially at room temperature.
3. Based on your prediction above, predict the distribution coefficient for benzoic acid in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1, or less than 1). Explain your prediction.
The distribution coefficient for benzoic acid in dichloromethane compared to water will be greater than 1. This means benzoic acid prefers the organic layer, consistent with its partial nonpolar structure.
4. Predict if succinic acid will be more soluble in water or dichloromethane. Explain your prediction.
Succinic acid will be more soluble in water. This is because succinic acid contains two carboxylic acid groups without a large hydrophobic region, making it polar and more capable of hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
5. What compound have you worked with before that is very similar to succinic acid? Explain why you chose the molecule you did.
A similar compound is oxalic acid, which also has carboxylic acid groups and is highly water soluble. I chose this molecule because it shares similar polarity and hydrogen bonding potential.
6. Based on your predictions above, predict the distribution coefficient for succinic acid in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1, or less than 1). Explain your prediction.
The distribution coefficient for succinic acid in dichloromethane compared to water will be less than 1. This reflects succinic acid’s preference for the aqueous layer due to its polarity.
7. Predict the distribution coefficient for sodium benzoate in water or dichloromethane (greater than 1, about 1, or less than 1). Explain your prediction.
The distribution coefficient for sodium benzoate in dichloromethane compared to water will be less than 1. Sodium benzoate is an ionic compound that dissolves readily in water but poorly in organic solvents like dichloromethane. Its ionic nature favors aqueous solubility.
